Picturesque reserves and national parks of Africa. The most famous national parks in Africa
Africa boasts of its enchanting landscapes, which include sand dunes, jungles, and, of course, savannas. This vast continent is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. Unfortunately, some representatives of flora and fauna that live on the continent are on the verge of extinction. It was with the aim of protecting them that National Parks were created - areas where human activity is limited. We present to your attention a list of the 10 best national parks in Africa.
Birunga National Park
Birunga Park, known as National Park Volcanoes - is located in the north-west of Rwanda and borders the Virunga and Mgahinga national parks. It is considered the first national park created on the continent. Known mainly for the mountain gorillas that live there. The park was a base for zoologist Dian Fossey.
Ras Mohammed
Ras Mohammed (translated from Arabic means “head of Mohammed”) is the first nature reserve to open in Egypt. It is located in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, between the Suez and Aqaba Gulfs. This extraordinary national park is famous for its dazzlingly beautiful coral reefs, which attract divers from all over the world, as well as the population sea turtles. The park is the main attraction on the Red Sea Riviera and the pride of Egypt.
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain Park - formerly known as Cape Peninsula National Park - located in the Western Cape, South Africa. The park was created on May 29, 1998 and includes: Table Mountain, for which it was named, and Cape Good Hope- the farthest southwestern point of Africa. The park area is 225,000 hectares, plus an additional 1,000 km. sq. coastal waters and beaches.
Kabarega is an African national park located in the northern part of the state of Uganda. It was founded in 1952 and named after the waterfall of the same name, which is located in the park. Covers an area of 3,839 km. sq. Kabarega National Park is home to large African wild animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, rhinoceroses, etc.
Etosha Park - located in the north-west of Namibia. It is considered one of the largest national parks in the world and covers an area of 22,270 square kilometers. It was founded in 1907 and is home to a large amount of wildlife. The park is best known for its black rhinoceroses and African wild dogs.
Ahaggar is a national park and highland of the same name, located in the central part of the Sahara Desert, in southern Algeria. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, big amount sand dunes and mountains consisting mainly of volcanic rocks. It is considered one of the more remote national parks on the planet.
Masuala is a national park located in the northeast of Madagascar, on the Masuala Peninsula. It was founded in 1997 and covers an area of 240,520 hectares. Masuala is the largest national reserve in the country. Since 2007, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Characterized by a wide variety of ecosystems - including wet a tropical forest, mangroves and sea with coral reef.
In third place in the list of the best national parks in Africa is Kilimanjaro National Park, which is located in the north of Tanzania, near the city of Moshi. The park includes the entirety of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and its surrounding forests. Covers an area of 753 km. sq.
Victoria Falls Park - located in the north-west of Zimbabwe, on the Zambezi River and is considered as the largest waterfall in the world. A notable feature of the park is the tropical forest that grows around the waterfall, which includes plants such as ferns, palm trees, vines and a large number of trees such as mahogany, which do not grow elsewhere in the region.
Kruger Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in the world, located in South Africa. It is located in the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Its area is 18,989 km. sq. and stretches for 350 km in a north-south direction. The park is home to 147 species of mammals, 500 species of birds and reptiles, and tens of thousands of insect species.
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Africa is often associated with wild animals. This continent has the highest species density wildlife And the richest variety fauna compared to any other continent on our planet. This is thanks to the huge landscapes with different climatic zones from subarctic to tropical.
The African continent has the highest concentration of national parks on the planet. As of 2014, there are 335 national parks. They protect more than 1,100 species of mammals, 100,000 species of insects, 2,600 species of birds and 3,000 species of fish. In addition, there are hundreds of game reserves, forest, marine and national reserves, as well as natural parks.
The Black Continent is rich in habitat diversity. The tropical rainforests and arid savannah plains of the Sahara Desert are home to the most different types wildlife. Africa is home to many fascinating animals, including some that are endangered. It is also considered as the birthplace of human civilization.
Serengeti National Park
Zebra migration in Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the oldest and... famous nature reserves in Africa. The park is famous for the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras, as well as the predators that hunt them. This is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world. The Great Migration, which spans 1,000 kilometers of annual circular trek, passes through uniquely scenic settings with vast treeless expanses and dramatic rolling meadows dotted with exposed rocks and interspersed with rivers and forests. This park has one of the world's largest and most diversified populations with predator-prey interactions.
Serengeti National Park covers an area of 12,950 square kilometers and is considered one of the least disturbed natural ecosystems on Earth.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is a national reserve located in the Narok district of Kenya. It borders the Serengeti National Park and was named after the Maasai people who inhabited these regions. It is famous for its exceptional population of lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as the annual migration of zebras, Thomson's gazelles and wildebeest, which travel to this place from July to October each year from the Serengeti. The event is known as the "great migration".
The Masai Mara occupies a relatively small area, but boasts an amazing concentration of wildlife. The park is home to 95 species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and more than 400 species of birds. The Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros) abound throughout the park. Leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeests, topis, baboons, warthogs, buffalos, zebras, elephants, hippos and crocodiles converge on the Mara River.
Aerial photograph of a herd of wildebeest following several leading zebras in the Masai Mara.
Bwindi National Park
Bwindi National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. It occupies 331 square kilometers of jungle and, as the name suggests, this place can only be reached on foot. Situated on the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, the park has a rich ecosystem and possibly the highest number of tree species in East Africa. It is also home to a diverse fauna, including a number of endemic butterflies and one of the richest assemblages of mammals in Africa.
Bwindi is home to almost half of the world's mountain gorilla population, which sadly numbers only 340 individuals.
Mountain gorilla in Bwindi National Park.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of the most popular parks in Kenya. It is located in the south of the country, on the border with Tanzania. The park offers one of the most classic and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro with its 5,985 meter peak rising above the plains. Amboseli attracts visitors primarily because of its huge herds of elephants, although the park is also inhabited by many predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards.
An elephant crosses a dirt road in Amboseli National Park. Mount Kilimanjaro is visible in the background. - nature reserves and National parks
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the largest reserves in Africa and one of the largest national parks in the world. Its area is 19,485 square kilometers. It is also the first national park in South Africa, which opened in 1926, although the park has been protected by the state since 1898.
Kruger National Park has more types large mammals than any other African reserve, including representatives of the "big five" - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses and buffalo.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is located in the northwestern part of Botswana, close to the border of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It is famous for its stunning elephant population. Experts estimate there are 50,000 of these large animals, possibly the highest concentration of elephants in Africa. Best time The best time to visit Chobe is during the dry season from April to October, when the ponds dry up and the animals gather close to the river bank, where they are easy to spot.
An elephant calf on the banks of the Chobe River in the national park of the same name. - nature reserves and national parks
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is located in northwestern Namibia and covers an area of 22,270 square kilometers. It gets its name from the silvery-white salt crystals that cover the large panoramas that cover almost a quarter of Etosha. The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several rare and endangered species such as black rhinoceroses.
The Etosha Salt Flat covers an area of 4,800 square kilometers and was formed 16,000 years ago. - nature reserves and national parks
Central Kalahari National Game Reserve
The Kalahari Game Reserve covers an area of 52,800 km² in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana. It is approximately twice the size of Massachusetts, making it the second largest nature reserve in the world. Its territory is characterized by vast open plains, salt lakes and ancient river beds. The land is mostly flat and slightly undulating, covered with bushes and grass, and also covers sand dunes and areas with large trees.
The park is home to wildlife species such as giraffe, brown hyena, warthog, cheetah, wild dog, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu and red tambourine.
Bushmen have inhabited the Kalahari for thousands of years since the Stone Age. They still live here and move around the territory as nomadic hunters.
national parks in africa
Bushmen in the Kalahari. - national parks of Africa
Nechisar National Park
Nechisar National Park occupies only 514 square meters. km., located in an excellent scenic part of the Rift Valley between two lakes. The park in the east is bordered by the Amaro Mountains, which rise to 2000 m, and in the north by Lake Abaya with eternally red waters (1070 sq. km.). In the south - with a small transparent lake Chamo with an area of 350 km. To the east is the town of Arba Minch.
From a certain distance, the plains in the center appear white, which is where the name Nechisar or “white grass” comes from.
Nechisar National Park is considered an important habitat for bird populations, especially migratory ones. It is home to kingfishers, storks, pelicans, flamingos and fish eagles.
Ngorongoro Game Reserve
Ngorongoro is located in northwestern Tanzania. Essentially, these are the remains of the old Ngorongoro volcano, which collapsed and formed a crater. Its steep slopes have become a natural refuge for the wide variety of wildlife that live here. On the plains beyond the crater, the Maasai people graze their livestock, seemingly oblivious to the herds of wild animals that fill the vast landscape. This area is also important in tracing human origins, as some of the earliest human remains and footprints have been discovered here. human activity, dating back to 3.5 million years.
View from the Ngorongoro crater. - national parks of Africa
Lake inside the Ngorongoro crater.
The largest nature reserve in the world has appeared in Africa. It is called Kavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The total area of the reserve exceeds 44 million hectares. The protected area united 36 nature reserves and the lands surrounding them. Kawang Zambezi is home to almost half of all African elephants, more than 600 species of different plants and about 300 species of birds.
With the formation of such conservation complexes as the transnational reserve of Africa, called Kavango Zambezi (abbreviated KAZA), which are prone to migration (elephants and rhinoceroses) feel completely safe in a vast territory the size of Sweden.
Tourist paradise
This land is home to many world famous attractions. For example, Despite the fact that this African reserve was founded quite recently (2011), one of the main tasks that the five states set for themselves was to create conditions for the free migration of all species of animals. In addition, for these countries, nature reserves in Africa are the most important tourist sites. Every year on this unique transboundary reserve thousands of tourists come from all over the world.
Animals
Undoubtedly, the main representatives of the animal world living in the complex are elephants. It may be hard to believe, but almost half of these giants of the total number of elephants in Africa live in the protected area. These vast territories are home to 600 plant species. There are many unique ones among them. In the most picturesque areas of the region, 300 species of birds have found their home.
South Africa is a land where the incongruous combine in a surprising way. Landscapes of amazing beauty are concentrated in the country's reserves and national parks.
Kruger Park
The cross-border territory, with an area of 20 thousand square kilometers, is located between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Elephant and lion, buffalo and rhinoceros, and leopard feel quite comfortable here.
Statistics confirm the uniqueness of these places. The area occupied by this African reserve can be compared with the territory of Wales. It consists of countless picturesque meadows and pastures, coastal forests, which are home to about 150 species of mammals, including the largest population of rhinoceroses.
A five-hour drive from South Africa's largest metropolis, Johannesburg, you can see wildlife and have an unforgettable experience. For example, in Kruger Park you can watch a fight between a lion and a crocodile.
The most intrepid tourists can go on a guided tour, accompanied by armed guards. Nature reserves and national parks in Africa are best visited in winter. At this time, the vegetation does not grow so rapidly and does not block the view. Animals can be seen near numerous bodies of water, and at this time the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.
Royal Natal
One of the most picturesque mountain ranges in Africa is the Drakensberg. The name translates as Sharp tops of the mountains here smoothly turn into green slopes, which are covered with irregularities and hillocks.
Royal Natal National Park is located on a not too large territory (2500 sq. km), part of the Ukahlamba complex - object world heritage. Despite this, the Drakensberg is one of the most famous rock formations on Earth.
Cedeberg Nature Reserve
This mountain range is located 200 km north of Cape Town. The Sedeberg African Nature Reserve consists of many sandstone hills, dense thickets fynbos and the magnificent Mount Saint Roc. Excursion routes last from one hour to several days.
During this walk you will be able to enjoy the wild nature of these places. You can climb steep slopes to the picturesque hills - the Wolfberg Arch or Tourists prefer to stay at the Sanddrift base. There is an observatory and a huge wine library here. The best time to travel is from April to August. At this time the weather for walking will be the best.
Mapungubwe
National reserves of Africa amaze tourists with their beauty pristine nature. Mapungubwe is no exception. It is located along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, in a valley. In these places, giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards stroll leisurely between the trees.
Mapungubwe is included in World List heritage and is of historical value, so if you are in Johannesburg, be sure to come here.
In ancient times, this territory was the center of the South African kingdom. In 1300 BC. Nine thousand people lived in these places. Archaeologists were able to discover hills with burials in which unique valuables were buried, for example, a golden figurine of a rhinoceros. It is better to come here in June-August.
Blyde River
Nature reserves and parks in Africa differ from each other in their natural landscape. This canyon is worth seeing with your own eyes. It rises above the Blyde River, and seems to burst from the tops of the Drakensberg ridge with the luxurious crowns of thousands of beautiful trees.
What makes this place even more beautiful are the green, gentle slopes, above which rise hills of sandstone and limestone. The most famous of them is the Triple Rondavel rock, with its huge arches and semicircular peaks that resemble the roofs of rondavels (African houses).
It is better not to visit African nature reserves from January to March. It is not very comfortable to travel here at this time - it is falling from the mountains. wet air, and there is a risk of contracting malaria.
iSimangaliso
This place seems to be created for ecotourism lovers. The name of this wetland park means "miracle" in Zulu. You can't say anything more precise about this place. The national park covers an area of 3320 square meters. km is an ecosystem of global importance. The territory of Isimangaliso is covered with lakes, swampy forests, and coral reefs. This is the largest river delta on the continent and about 220 km of beaches located on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The reserves of Africa are large and not very large, mostly prepared to welcome tourists. For example, Isimangaliso Park has excellent conditions for diving and horse riding. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can go kayaking and watch wildlife.
Within one day in these places you can see a whale and a rhinoceros. This park, located 375 km from Durban, is especially good from June to October, when there is no sweltering heat and the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.
Namaqua
Not all nature reserves Africa can boast such unique vegetation as Namakuwaland, located along the coast of South Africa. It is often called the African garden, blooming in spring with a thousand colors. This is a true gem of an arid continent. From the beginning of August to the end of September you can see this beauty with your own eyes.
The park is located near Cape Town. This true treasury has the richest flora. Just take into account the blooming of daisies in this park - it is a mesmerizing sight.
Kgalgadi Transfrontier Park
A “wild island” of land located on the hot sands of the Kalahari Desert. Kgalgadi Park is located in the transboundary zone between Botswana and South Africa - it is the world's largest conservation area. There are many animals here - lions and ostriches, leopards and cheetahs that survive in these arid lands.
Ktugalgadi Park is a great place to watch big cats. However, you must be careful - at any moment you can find yourself on the same path with a lion.
Table Mountain
A national park with such strange name, is located on the Cape Peninsula. From here you have a stunning view of Cape Town, the most... Old city SOUTH AFRICA.
This park offers many great opportunities for activities. active rest. Here you will be offered a paragliding ride from the Lion's Head rock. You can go rock climbing on the highest slope of Table Mountain and walk along the picturesque paths. Locals recommend walking uphill through the meadows of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
Golden Gate
The Maluti Mountains are located 300 km northeast of the city of Bloemfontein. In the early morning, you can see herds of antelope grazing here. The magnificent view of the mountains in the rays of the setting sun, when the slopes are covered with golden color, gave this park its name. Mount Brandwag is especially beautiful - it can be seen from any point.
Africa is a huge continent with a large number of natural areas and various ecosystems. To protect the nature of this continent, various states have created a large number of parks in Africa, the density of which is the greatest on the planet. Now there are more than 330 parks, where more than 1.1 thousand species of animals, 100 thousand insects, 2.6 thousand birds and 3 thousand fish are protected. In addition to large parks, the African continent has a huge number natural reserves and natural parks.
In general, Africa has the following natural areas:
- equatorial forests;
- evergreen forests;
- savannas;
- variable-humid forests;
- deserts and semi-deserts;
- altitudinal zone.
The largest national parks
It is impossible to list all the national parks in Africa. We will discuss only the largest and most famous. The Serengeti is located in Tanzania and was created quite a long time ago.
Serengeti
Here you can find gazelles and zebras, wildebeest and various predators.
There are endless spaces and picturesque places, with an area of over 12 thousand square meters. kilometers. Scientists believe that the Serengeti is the ecosystem on the planet that has the least change.
The Maasai Mara is located in Kenya and was named after African people Maasai inhabiting this area.
Masai Mara
There is a large population of lions, cheetahs, buffalos, elephants, hyenas, leopards, gazelles, hippos, rhinoceroses, crocodiles and zebras.
The Maasai Mara is small in area, but has a high concentration of fauna. In addition to animals, there are reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
Reptile
Ngorongoro is a national reserve, which is also located in Tanzania. Its relief is formed by the remains of an old volcano. Here on the steep slopes there are different kinds wild animals. On the Maasai plains they graze livestock. It combines wild nature with African tribes, which bring minimal changes to the ecosystem.
Ngorongoro
In Uganda there is the Bwindi Nature Reserve, located in dense jungle.
Bwindi
Mountain gorillas live here, and their number is equal to 50% of the total number of individuals on earth.
Located in southern Africa largest park Kruger, home to lions, leopards and elephants. There is also big park Chobe is home to a variety of animals, including a large population of elephants. There are a huge number of other African national parks, thanks to which the populations of many animals, birds and insects are preserved and increased.
Wonderful video from the African National Park
The continent of Africa - 54 countries. On the continent (as of 2014) there are 335 environmental protection zones - sanctuaries, nature reserves, and natural parks.
All of them, besides marine reserves, are included in the list of reserves and national parks in Africa. You can view this list as a whole and for each country separately. This list does not include private parks and private natural areas African continent.
TOP 10: the most famous oldest reserves and national parks in Africa
- Garamba, Uganda
Area: 4,900 km2 National Park and 7,527 km2 Domaines de Chasse - African Parks Project 2005. Managed by the African Parks organization DRC in partnership with the Institute for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) - Akajera, Rwanda
Area: 1122 km 2 - in Africa, the 2010 “Parks” project. Akagera is run by a joint venture between African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board. - Bangweulu, Zambia
Area: 6000 km 2 - in Africa, the 2008 “Parks” project
Bangweulu Wetlands is managed through a partnership between African Parks, the Wildlife Institute Authority (Zawa) and the six Chiefdoms of Zambia where the park areas are located. - Leuwa National Park Zambia
Area: 3660 km 2 - “Parks” project 2003
Liuwa African Park is governed by a partnership between African Parks and Borotse Royal - traditionally owned by the Lozi people. - Mazhet, Malawi Game Reserve
Area: 700 km 2 - Parks project in Africa 2003
Managed by the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife Society (DNPW) - Odzala-Kokua, Congo
Area: 13,500 km 2 - in Africa park project 2010
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is managed by the African Parks Foundation and the Congolese government. - Serengeti, Tanzania
Endless Plains - 14,750 km 2 of the Eastern Mara of northwestern Tanzania - bordered on the north by the Kenyan border, contiguous with the Maasai National Reserve. The Serengeti lies to the southeast of Ngorongoro Park, to the west are the Ikorongo Game Reserves and Grumeti Game Reserves - together, these areas form a large single ecosystem. - Zakouma, Chad
Area: 3054 km 2 - in Africa the Parks project since 2010
Zakouma is a partnership between African Parks and the Government of Chad - Bwindi, Uganda
Impenetrable forest - Kruger National Park, South Africa.
One of the most famous parks African continent- a nature reserve and a national park at the same time.
Welcome to the world of African reserves and national parks!
1. Garamba in Africa is one of the last true wildernesses. An impressive savannah with a large section of forest, with exceptionally high biodiversity. Open, rolling grasslands provide the stage for spectacular encounters with large herds of elephants, buffalo, the Ugandan Kob antelope (the country's symbol), and the less common species of giraffe and equine antelope.
2. Akazhera
Akagera National Park is located in the northeast of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is named after the Akazhera River, which flows along its eastern border and feeds a labyrinth of lakes, of which Lake Ihema is the largest. Acacia groves, wetland brachystegia, combined with scattered meadows and a fringe of lakes along the meandering Akagera, connected by watercourses, create a park of breathtaking beauty.
3. Bangweulu
Adjacent to the upper reaches of the Congo River Basin in northeastern Zambia is one of Africa's largest wetland systems, the Bangweulu. Bangweulu is a local word meaning "where the water matches the sky" - seasonally flooded areas of untouched wilderness. The wide system of Bangweulu includes lakes, floodplains, swamps, termitaria forests, vast areas of virgin miombo, and pastures. The Chambeshi and Luapula rivers are the main southern tributaries of the Congo River in this area. Bangweulu - home significant number endemic plants and animals. For example, black lychee. The current estimate is over 75,000 animals. The Shoebill bird lives here, one of Africa's enigmatic ornithological assets.
4. Liuwa
Liuwa Plain lies on the upper floodplains of the Zambezi River in western Zambia and is bounded by the Luambimba and Luanginga rivers. Liuwa is a seasonally flooded grassy plain dotted with forested islands. Liuwa has been a national park since 1972 and is the oldest preserved park in African history. Originally proclaimed by the King of Barotseland in the early 1880s, it was historically used as a royal hunting ground and protected by the Lozi people. Liuwa is home to the second largest wildebeest in Africa and is home to a thousand fascinating animals. Herds of zebras, lyre-horned hares tsessebe graze, and on the plains they are pursued by predators - wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, lions. Liuwa supports bird populations globally - more than 330 species.
5. Smears
Majete Nature Reserve - declared in 1955, the Majete Nature Reserve is located in the Lower Shire Valley, in the Great Rift Valley of Africa, with an area of 700 km². The vegetation is varied, ranging from rain forests miombo, in the western hills, ending with the dry savannah in the east with prominent thickets along the rivers. Malawi launches wildlife reintroduction program
6. Odzala
The world's second largest tropical forest, second only to the Amazon, Odzala-Kokoua is a vast protected forest. They are located in the northwestern part of the Republic of Congo. This is 13,546 km2 of untouched wilderness - incredible biological diversity extraordinary complex ecosystem.
7. Serengeti
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - famous for the annual migration of zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and raptors - considered one of the world's most undisturbed ecological zones peace. The neighboring Maasai Mara Reserve is located in one of the districts of Kenya. In general, the reserve is a continuation of the Sarengeti National Park. It is famous for the lions that live here in large numbers.
8. Zakuma
Zakouma is located in Salamat in south-eastern Chad, west of the town of Am-Timan, approximately 800 km by road south-east of N'Djamena. It is described as one of the last wilderness strongholds for Central Africa and is considered a major wildlife conservation success.
9. Bwindi
Bwindi National Park is located in the jungle and can only be explored on foot. This park is located in the Albertine Valley - here greatest number the most diverse trees in Africa. Bwindi Park is home to exotic, stunningly beautiful butterflies.
10. Kruger Park
The oldest national park in South Africa, National Park Kruger is the flagship park South Africa- a huge number of wild animals for the size of a small country. Kruger National Park has the largest number of mammals. The park is divided into 17 ecological zones, where larger animals live than in any other biome in the world - elephant, white rhinoceros, buffalo. During the rainy season, there is a great population of birds. Big cats: leopard, cheetah, lion - the subject of interest of the tourist Safari.
